nuclear physics

American  

[noo-klee-er fiz-iks, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈfɪz ɪks, ˈnju- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of physics that deals with the behavior, structure, and component parts of atomic nuclei.

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nuclear physics British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the structure and behaviour of the nucleus and the particles of which it consists

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nuclear physics Scientific  

1. The scientific study of the structure and behavior atomic nuclei.

2. See also neutron proton strong force

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Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Other Word Forms

• nuclear physicist
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of nuclear physics

First recorded in 1930–35

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nuclear physics

In nuclear physics, criticality refers to the point at which a chain reaction becomes self-sustaining, with each generation of fission reactions producing enough neutrons to maintain the next.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

Born in Bulgaria to Armenian parents who survived the genocide, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1961 and studied at Columbia University, earning advanced degrees in nuclear engineering and nuclear physics.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 29, 2026

Skyrmions were first proposed in particle and nuclear physics before later becoming an important area of study in condensed matter physics and magnetic materials.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 13, 2026

It’s going from social media and crypto into nuclear physics.

From Barron's ● Dec. 19, 2025

Meitner responded immediately, agreeing that the news was amazing, but adding: “We have experienced so many surprises in nuclear physics that one cannot say without hesitation about anything: ‘it’s impossible.’

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

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Related Words

• particle physics
• quantum mechanics

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